Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2015–2017) Reliability

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2015–2017) scores 69/100 on our composite reliability index — average territory — drawn from ADAC, DVSA, NHTSA data. The most-flagged failure mode is tailgate rust on estate (w211/w212), typically surfacing between 80,000 and 200,000 km. Workshop repair runs €400–€1,500. In total we track 2 documented issues for this model — ranked by severity below. Estimated used prices span €15,800–€34,400.

Composite Score
69
/ 100
Average
Sources: ADAC · DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years20152017
Est. used price€15,800€34,400
Documented issues2
Listings in catalogue49
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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2013–2019 · 2026 report · n=447
447 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="E-CLASS"
View source ↗
54
/ 100
ADAC (European Auto Club)
All model years · 2025 report
9.3/1000 breakdowns
View source ↗
64
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2021 · 2024 report · n=389726
389,726 UK MOT tests · overall 17.2% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
81
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2020 · 2023 report · n=227498
227,498 UK MOT tests · overall 19.9% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
75
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 389,726 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 35 yrs
72
10.3% fail vs 10.9% fleet
53,214 tests
Age 69 yrs
83
13.0% fail vs 19.2% fleet
154,967 tests
Age 1014 yrs
83
21.6% fail vs 32.1% fleet
137,897 tests
Age 1520 yrs
83
26.4% fail vs 38.8% fleet
43,648 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Condition
44,542
35.8%
#2
Windscreen
20,839
16.8%
#3
Linkage ball joint dust cover
19,969
16.1%
#4
Tread depth
19,661
15.8%
#5
Ball joint dust cover
19,242
15.5%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Known Issues

Specific failure modes documented across European workshops, owner forums, and TSBs. Costs in EUR (and USD reference) reflect typical retail European labor + parts ranges — specialist shops at the low end, dealer pricing at the high end.

Tailgate rust on Estate (W211/W212)
Typical at 80,000200,000 km
W211 (and to lesser extent W212) Estate tailgates rust around the number-plate light cluster and lower edge; cosmetic at first, structural eventually.
€400€1,500medium
Air suspension (AIRMATIC) leak / strut failure
Typical at 100,000200,000 km
W212/W213 AIRMATIC equipped models — air strut perish + valve block leaks; whole-corner replacement is the right repair.
€900€2,500high

Compare Against Alternatives

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